All of the women completed questionnaires on their overall health, pelvic symptoms and sexual function.
Overall, the researchers found, women with pelvic floor disorders were more likely to have symptoms of a decreased sex drive, pain during sex and infrequent orgasms -- regardless of age and whether they had gone through menopause.
The study does not prove that the pelvic floor disorders caused the women's sexual problems, Handa said. However, the conditions could impair women's sexual function for a number of reasons, from diminished body image to problems with muscle and nerve function.
According to Handa, women with pelvic floor disorders should talk with their doctors about any sexual difficulties they have.
In an earlier study, she and her colleagues found that women's sexual function often improved after having surgery to correct significant prolapse. But more research is needed into this area, Handa said.
If certain treatments for pelvic floor disorders are better than others for improving sexual function, she noted, that will be important to know.
SOURCE: Obstetrics & Gynecology, May 2008.
